Phyllis Minkoff was born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C. Her birth into a traditional Jewish-American family set the early stage for a life grounded in values and service. Her father, Hyman Joseph Minkoff, was the founder of Acme Liquors, a well-known chain of stores in the D.C. area. Her mother, Ida Minkoff, was a homemaker who played a central role in shaping Phyllis’s views on community and strength. She grew up alongside her brother Larry Minkoff, in a middle-class household where education and hard work were respected.
While many know her name because of her marriage to media figure Maury Povich, Phyllis had her own independent identity. She graduated with a solid educational foundation and later used her communication skills to carve a career in the public relations world. Even from a young age, she was known for being articulate and having a natural presence—qualities that would serve her well in her future career and activism. Her early life was not in the spotlight, but it provided the emotional and intellectual framework for everything she achieved later.
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Career in Communications & Public Relations
Phyllis Minkoff pursued a career in communications and public relations, a field that fit her personality perfectly. She wasn’t just someone who followed trends; she shaped them. Over the years, she worked with several organisations, helping manage their public image, create outreach strategies, and communicate more effectively with the public. Though many records about her specific employers are private, her reputation as a skilled communicator grew in D.C. and Pittsburgh circles alike.
Beyond her work, Phyllis also made a name for herself through social and political activism. She became associated with the Women’s Liberation Front, an organisation that fought for equal rights and opportunities. Her political involvement didn’t stop there—she was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, and she showed public support for Bernie Sanders and Joe Kennedy III in later elections. Minkoff’s impact wasn’t limited to a career path—it was also about giving back and being heard.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Field | Public Relations / Communications |
| Known For | Activism, Political Advocacy |
| Political Support | Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, JFK III |
| Movement Involvement | Women’s Liberation Front |
Marriage to Maury Povich — Family Life & Children
Phyllis Minkoff’s first marriage brought her into the public eye. She married Maury Povich, the well-known American TV host, in 1962. At that time, Maury was just starting his career in journalism. Phyllis was there by his side during his early rise. Their marriage lasted for 17 years, ending in 1979. While they eventually separated, it’s important to note that their relationship during those formative years played a huge role in shaping both of their lives, personally and professionally. The couple maintained mutual respect despite the distance that time created.
Together, they had two daughters—Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich. Both daughters followed creative and professional paths of their own. Susan Anne went on to co-found a lobster shack business in New York and became a successful entrepreneur, while Amy Joyce married the actor David Agus and followed a private professional life. The family has stayed relatively quiet in the media, but those who know their story often mention how gracefully Phyllis handled the challenges of being a working woman, mother, and public figure during a time when women’s independence wasn’t as openly celebrated.
Second Marriage & Later Family Life
After divorcing Maury, Phyllis Minkoff moved forward with her life and found love again. In 1980, she married Phillip Baskin, a Pittsburgh attorney and city councilman who was active in local politics. The second chapter of her family life began in a more private setting compared to her first marriage. Her new husband had a background in law and civic leadership, which complemented Phyllis’s experience in public relations and advocacy. The couple settled in Pennsylvania and were known for supporting various community projects.
Phyllis and Phillip had two daughters together—Shoshana Nudel and Janice Gondelman. This part of her life was more peaceful, allowing her to focus on both family and her interests in charity work. Sadly, Phillip Baskin passed away in 2005 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the loss, Phyllis continued to stay strong for her children and upheld the family values that shaped her early years. Her commitment to parenting and balanced living is one of the less-known but most inspiring parts of her story.
Family Overview
| Spouse | Children | Marriage Years |
|---|---|---|
| Maury Povich | Susan Anne, Amy Joyce | 1962–1979 |
| Phillip Baskin | Shoshana Nudel, Janice Gondelman | 1980–2005 |
Net Worth & Public Perception
While Phyllis Minkoff has never been the kind of person to chase the spotlight, her background, connections, and professional achievements have built a respectable life. As of recent reports, her estimated net worth is around $1 million, largely accumulated through her decades-long work in communications and consulting. This figure may seem modest compared to celebrities, but for someone who led a relatively private and principled life, it reflects stability and self-earned success.
Publicly, she is often remembered as Maury Povich’s first wife, but that label oversimplifies her identity. In fact, many who’ve worked with her or followed her journey see her as a strong, independent woman who helped redefine what it meant to balance a career, family, and advocacy in the 20th century. She never used her marriages for fame; instead, she let her actions speak for her values. Those who understand her full story admire her not for celebrity association, but for her quiet resilience and real-life impact.
Legacy, Current Status & Public Image
Today, Phyllis Minkoff is in her early 80s, reportedly residing in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Though she is no longer active in public-facing roles, her impact lingers—especially in the lives of her children and in the communities where she supported causes like Planned Parenthood, animal shelters, and women’s rights. She has managed to preserve her privacy while still being someone people admire when her name resurfaces in public conversations.
Her legacy isn’t one of fame, but of dignity. Many women who played supporting roles behind influential men often remain unrecognized, but Phyllis stands as an example of someone who forged her own path. Whether through political activism or being a hands-on mother, she left a quiet mark on everyone she interacted with. Her name might not be splashed across headlines every day, but her values and voice echo in the places she cared about.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Phyllis Minkoff?
Phyllis Minkoff is a public relations expert and advocate known for her past marriage to Maury Povich and her involvement in political and social causes.
2. How long was she married to Maury Povich?
She was married to Maury Povich for 17 years, from 1962 until their divorce in 1979.
3. How many children does Phyllis Minkoff have?
She has four daughters—two from her marriage with Maury Povich and two from her second marriage to Phillip Baskin.
4. What was her profession?
Phyllis worked in communications and public relations, and she also actively supported women’s rights and progressive political campaigns.
5. Where is Phyllis Minkoff now?
As of recent reports, she lives a quiet life in the Greater Pittsburgh area and remains out of the public spotlight.
Closing Thoughts / Conclusion
Phyllis Minkoff’s story is a reminder that not all influential women are in front of cameras or on magazine covers. Sometimes, the most remarkable lives are the ones lived with purpose behind the scenes. From her early days in Washington, D.C. to her quiet activism and personal sacrifices, Phyllis shows us that you can be powerful without being loud. Her journey—marked by strength, empathy, and balance—is worth remembering not because she was once married to someone famous, but because she stood firmly on her own terms.
Let her story inspire a deeper look into the lives of women who often go unnoticed in public records but are unforgettable in the lives they touch. Phyllis Minkoff may not seek the spotlight, but she’s earned her place in the narrative of influential American women.